Ganj Golai

      Ganjgolai is the main market place of latur town. It is famous for its particular (round shape, sphericity) construction. Roads from the diffrent parts of the city meets in Golai. So, it has got special importance. There is a Jagdamba devi Mandir inside the main building. It is situated in the centre of a building. Since 1968, Jagdamba devi navratra mohatsav and her festival is being celebrated in Ganjgolai. A statue of goddess Jagdamba is inside the temple. Before some years, few people were paying attention towards this. But some devotees took interest in rebuilding the temple. They are inspired by the sharad utsav. Which is celebrated in this temple. After some years, at the centre of Ganjgolai, new building was constructed, And in 6th october 1989, the beautiful idol of the goddess jagdamba mata was established here. she is in shape of Mahishasur Mardini. she has eight hands and she holding various weapons in it. Her face is towards the west. Total height of the idol is 8 fit.

Sai Nandanvanam Mandir

 A big Shivalaya is erected near chakur town. It is known as Sai Nandanvanam. This Temple is situated in Chakur taluka, which is in Linga form. In the ancient time Chakur town was established by Chakradhar raja. Because of him, it was named as Chakrapur. Afterwards it is known as Chakur. Previously, Chakur was the important town in Ahmadpur tahsil. But after bifurcation of Ahmadpur tahsil, Chakur Tahsil was newly created. Chakur town is the main place of Chakur tahsil. Total area of the Chakur tahsil is 2548 hectare. It is situated on the Latur Nanded state highway which is 34 km from Latur town.

          A big Shivalaya is erected near chakur town. It is known as Sai Nandanvanam. The campus of shivalaya is ornamented by various trees , small temples and water fountains. The main idol was established in 16 jullay 2001, by the hands of satya saibaba. Therefore, it is known as Sai nandanvanam. Main building is in the form of Shivling. The sabhamandap of this mandir is twenty five feet in height. Total area of this temple is 33 acres. Shivling carved in black marble, is placed in temple. The shivling is 9 feet in length, and its weight is about 9 tons. There are idols of Shri krishna and Satya Saiababa beside the shivling. Sabhamandap is very decorative and the sight seen from here is also beautiful. The pradakshina marg is spherical. Idols of Lord Ganesha and Kartikay is placed at temple door. In front of Mandir There is a tree with golden leaves. In the campus area of Mandir  twenty to thirty thousand trees are planted.

        There is a water park in campus area. Here, the Boating facility is provided. Hill type structure is found here.  Many trees are planted here. A garden and a restaurant is formed here. A small railway track is found in Mandir campus, it provides darshan facility to the tourists. Presently, a new Saint Garden is being formed here. In this garden the murals of the great saints of the nation shall be established. Musical fountain is found in campus area. It dances on the music. The accommodation facilities provided here are so good. This place is became a excellent picnic spot in Latur district.

Hatti Bet Dewarjan

Hatti bet is the another cave place in Latur district. This place is located near DevarjanVillage in udgirTahsil. this place is 3 km away from the village. It is very ancient place. There is a road available to reach the hill. There is a big campus. There were so many trees on the hill. There are three caves on the hill. These caves are kept very clean by the temple management. 

  There are so many historical places on this hill......

1)Shri Datta Sansthan:-

There is a cave a beautiful place, known as shree Datta sansthan. The slates and tiles are fixed in the cave. Beautiful makar is made by these tiles. It is very decorative. A marble idol of lord Datta is erected on big platform. Various types of pictures are formed in this cave. There is a nice temple of lord Hanuman outside of this cave.

 2)Samadhi Of Gangagiri Maharaj:-

  There is a samadhi ( tomb ) of Shri Gangagiri Maharaj in one of the cave of hatti bet. This place is very old and beautiful. Gangagiri Maharaj is the disciple (bhakt) of lord Balaji. It is told that lord Balaji came here and bless him. The idol of Gangagiri Maharaj placed in the cave is very simple. It is in sitting pose. And is covered with bhagva cloth. The Rambuwa family worshiping this samadhi regularly but now his sons are worshiping here. Rambuwa family has 30 acres of land which donated to this samadhi.

3) The Place Of Dharmapuri Rushi.

 There Is a place of dharmapuri rushi shown on this hill. 

4) Caves Of Hattibet.

 There are some caves behind this hill. There is a idol of lord Vishnu in one of this caves. It has a beautiful fecial  plaque (mask). Next to this there is a cave lane of Lord Rama, Laxmana and sita are sculpture. These idols are in standing position. This idol are obscure and less evgrvings. It is because of the rock found on this hill. This stone is not strong. The stone is in purple color. This cave is similar to the caves of Panhala Caves in Konkan. Outside of this cave there is a big Shivpind in square shape. It is known as Vishweshwar long because at the time of Gajendra Moksha lord ShivShankar visited here. 

5) Big Rock (Pashan) looks like a Elephant (Hatti).

 There is a big Rock found bottom of Hatti Bet. Which is known as Hattis  Pashan  (elephants rock). It is mentioned that there is a big lake away from this place. But it is not existing today. The myth is told about this, is that there is a crocodile who caught the leg of an elephant, in this lake. The elephant prayed the lord Vishnu, Lord Vishnu revealed the elephant from the crocodile and offered him Moksha at the bottom of this hill. This myth story is known as Gajendra Moksha Katha. So therefore this hill is known as Hatti Bet. And the large besalt rock at the bottom of the hill is considered as the elephant who offered the Moksha by Lord Vishnu. 

  The birth anniversary of the Lord Datta is celebrated with enthusiasm every year. The people from the near by villages gather here. On Dashera festival a big fair is held here. 

Before some years there was a mist of trees on this hill. But now a days because of the cutting of the trees and lack of the plantation trees are very less here. This is very pleasant and beautiful place. Specially in rainy season. Some streams of water flows here. 

Sadashiv Mandir Bhutmungli

     This Mandir is situated in Bhutmungli village of Nilanga Tahsil. It is also known as Sadashiv Mandir. A person named Bhootnath Maharaj was lived here, so that the name of the village had been taken on his name. This village is situated 14 km away from Nilanga Tahsil. The total area of this village is 786.68 sq hectors. There are 450 to 525 houses were found here.

   This old hemadpanthi Mandir is situated in the middle of the village. It is in good condition. There are three gabharas (the area where the idols of god and goddess are fixed)  in the temple. There are the images of attendants , dancers, and god and the goddess are carved on the walls of the Temple. there is a Mukhmandap , Sabhamandap ,and Antaral (Gabhara) to the Mandir. There is nothing carved on the pillars of the Sabhamandap, it has been kept plane. On the entrance gate of Gabhara Rangoli is carved on the stone and 3/3 attendants are also carved on the stone frame. There is a  Shiv Pind in the main Gabhara. it has a face poloque (Mask) . On the other hand there is second gabhara where the fine carved mural idols of Lord Shiva and parvati is situated, it is worked out beautifully. And in the third gabhara there is a broken mural of  Lord Vishnu. In the Sabhamandap there are the murals of Nagshila (Snake idols In the form of male and Female) , Shesha Vishnu and Goddess Saraswati in sitting position. There the six pillars inside the Sabhamandap. There is a beautiful carving on the roof of the Mandir. There is a celebration in the month of Shravan here.

   Bhutmungli is a small village. The main occupation of the villagers is prominently agriculture.

  

Navkund Zari Mandir

Navkund Zari is a village in the Chakur tahsil. There is temple of Siddheshwar Nagnath in this village which is famous not only in Chakur but also in India. This place is also known  Kashi of South India. Village is also located towers north west of Chakur. Total area of this village is 1474 hectares. This village is famous as religious place. village is about 34 km away from Latur.
        There are twelve Jotirlings in our country. There are three temples of Siddheshwar in Maharashtra,such as Latur, solapur,and aland. And there is a temple of Nagnath in aundha Nagnath. But joint temples of Siddheshwar and Nagnath are found only in North Kashi and Navkund Zari.
       The experts are said that this temple was built in TretaYoug. When lord Ram was in exile,he created nine kundas here by calling navgrahas (planet). Most of this kundas are now ruined. But now only four kundas are in good condition. There are idols of Narsimha, Sheshasai Vishnu, and Mahadev in these kundas. These kundas are always full with water. The water of two kunda is used for drinking and another one is used for bathing.

Nilkanteshwar Mandir

    Nilkantheshwar mandir is one of the famous ancient temple in Latur District. This temple is in Hemadpanthi Style and it  is carved beautifully. This temple is situated in Nilanga town. Nilanga town is taluka place of nilanga  tahsil.
               Nilanga town is 50 km away from the Latur. The area of Nilanga town is 1676 sq km. Total population of this town is 31660. Out of which 16472 are male and 15188 are females. The density of this town is 995 persons per sq km. The literacy rate of this town is 65.87.
               The climate of this town is hot and dry. Average rainfall of the town  is just 711.70 mm in 2001. The average temperature of this town is 28 *C. There is no land under forest in Nilanga tahsil. Nilanga town is in the west of the tahsil. Nilanga is a historical  and ancient town in latur district. Where, the historical Nilkantheshwar Temple is situated.
               In the ancient time Nilanga Town was Known as Nirlingpur. Nirlingpur derives his name from the Temple of Lord Nilkhantshwara. Onward Nirlingpur is changed his name as Nilang. This temple is in Hemadpanthi style and Built during the time of 12th or 13th century. This temple is a rare specimen of the perfection of the ancient art and architecture. Outside walls gives appearance of pillars like formation, having small niches fixed with excellently carved human animal and divine figurines. Every part of the temple except the terrace is the unique patterns or designs. Main entrance and some pillars of the temple were ruined. So to maintain the antiquity of this temple, ruined parts have been repaired with white cement. And because of that, original carvings has been totally erased. Some carvings have been mutilated. In the front of the temple, there is a 12.19 * 18.29 meters open courtyard paved with stony slabs. While Entering through a main gate, there are two  platforms. One is the sabhamandap hall, which is 2.787 sq meters in area and supported with the side rows of pillars. Two rows are embedded in the side walls. Remaining two rows have seven pillars each. And middle rows having six each. Pillars are the unique gift of carving and art. Each pillar is ornamented with rich and unique carvings. Such as beautiful images of Gods and Goddess. Some pillars not carved. The sabhamandap has two extensions, one each on either side forming two 0.557 sq mt chambers, The one to the left containing images of Lord Shankar and Parvati carved in single block of stone and the other to the right containing the idols of Lord Balaji and Vyonkoba with an artistically designed provably round it, carved in a single block of stone.in the first of these chambers, just bellow of the pedestal the principal deity is installed thete are so many images of Lord Kartik Swami, Nandi Ganpati, Hanuman and Saraswati around the deity. there is a image of Mongoos and Lord Balaji.  The image of Lord Balaji is four feet in hight, it is armed with a discus and shell. There are the images of devotees depicted in the act of praying. The jamys of the entrances are exquisitely decorated with various types of ganpati images. The breadth of the entrance is covered with small temple replicas bearing some divine images delicately engraved on the stone blocks similarly the base of the entrance bear ingeniously carved divine figured admiringly proportionate in measurement. The absolute symmetry of designs on both the entrances depict par excellence the architectural skill of the time when the temples were constructed. The Main Gabhara and Mandap walls have four niches in all housing idols of Lord Laxmi, Ganpati, etc. Identical design and patterns of those on the chambers entrances also decorate the main Gabhara entrance with the only exception that here the design are large in dimensions. it contains the Svayambhau Linga held deeply in reverence by the people. Therre is a specious terrace above,
 Nilanga town is in south of Latur City. The buses are available from latur per 15 min. from central bus stand.

Surat Shahawali Dargah

             Shri Surat Shahawali Dargah is situated in patel chowk, old Ram Galli. This Dargah is attached with shri Chintamani Parshwanath digambar Jain Mandir. This Darga is famous not only in Marathwada region but also in Maharashtra. It was build in A.D. 1939. It is said that Saint Saifulla Shaha Sardari took Samadhi here. He was a resident of Katak, Gujrat. It is mentioned that they are masquerading as tiger while sleeping. It is said that Surat Sahawali had appeared for blessing to grand father Nanhesab Hasanoddin Mujawar son of Yusuf Namijoddin Mujawar before 110 years ago.
  Fair is held here for five days in the month of jun/july every year, according to muslim months fair start from Jamadeel Awal. During the fair Shri Siddheshwar Mandir Comity honoured coconuts and chaddar of flowers , in the procession the Green flag is given to this Dargah. At the same time of Siddheshwar fair Surat Sahawali Dargah also honoured same to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir, and in the procession the Saffron Bhagwa flag is given to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir. This old tradition bitween these two set a good example of unity bitween Hindu and Muslim Community.

Ramlingeshwar Mandir

              Ramlingeshwar Mandir is situated towards the west of Siddheshwar Mandir in latur town. It is believed that! Ramlingeshwar Mandir to have built during the reign of the legendary king Tamradhwaja. In the center of courtyard there is a cloister surrounded by masonry compound wall against its inner course. The temple has a 44.20 * 10.67 meter Mandap hall. Mandap Hall was added later date. Its middle portion is paved with colored marble tiles. Herein is the statue of Nandi and on the other side two small ling on vestibule entrance. Two more ling are housed in the vestibule! one is on pedestal and other bigger one is on the floor. On the top of the larger linga there is a creative fissure. And it is supposed to represent the wound the king received from the sword in the battle. King was devout of Raamlingeshwar. He was a worshiper of him. A shikhar crowns the temple. 

Datta Mandir Latur

       Shri Datta Mandir is situated in latur town. It is another famous datta mandir in Latur town. It is situated on latur ausa road. In 1964-65, head of Sadanand Peeth, shri Balgovindanand Saraswati considered that Latur is the place Where the Guru is living invisibly. Shri Balgovind Saraswati Maharaj is the resident of Basav Kalyan a small town in Karnataka. Shramati V G Kulkarni from Kolhapur was the deciple of Balgovind Saraswati. She had come in latur in 1966. She purchased the land from poor farmer. she established Swayanbhue Paduka here. And from that day, the function of Datta Jayanti is being celebrated here, for the erection of this mandir. She has given good contribution in it. first it was a small temple, by the by it is recreated as a big mandir. In  front of main Gabhara there is a Big Sabhamandap. In this Sabhamandap, there is a platform which is about 40 fit long and broad. This platform is divided into four parts. In the first part, there is a idol of Slivling and Vitthal Rukumai. In the second part, there is a idol of Shivpind, Ganpati and Maruti. And in the third and fourth part, two types of idols of Lord Datta is established. There is a cell under the platform.Many agnikundas are found inside the cell. There are five Holly trees inside the Mandir.

Shwetambar Jain Mandir

Another attraction of Latur town is Shri Shwetambar Jain Mandir. Located on Chapsi road. It is a place of worship of Jain community. This Mandir was constructed in 1950. At that time it was very small in size. In1970, it was reconstructed again and the idol of shri Shantinath Bhagwan is established. It is double storied edifice of stone, moderately decorated with some excellent carvings. On the first floor there is a big hall (sabhamandap). It is near about 1800 sq ft. It is used for dining also. There are 6 rooms are available here also. The main idol of Shantinath Bhagwan is instoled here also. Vishvasen was the fathar of shantinath bahgwan and Achira was his mother. They were the residents of hastinapur. Shantinath bhagwan was known as Thirthkar also. His race was Eshwaku. It is mentioned that the duration of his life is one Lakisha years, There are the images of yaksha and yakshani inside this temple. The Shikhar of this Mandir is recently constructed. It is very beautiful place.

Bada Balaji Mandir

   Bada Balaji Mandir is the first Balaji Mandir in Latur town. It is also known as Shri Ram Panchayatan. 

Keshavraj Mandir

             Keshavraj Mandir is situated at the south west of Shri Siddheshwar mandir. The ancient sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara) of this mandir is built in stone masonry. Sanctum sanctorum of this temple is having a few monolithic pillars for its cornerstone. This shrine is in more or less Hemadpanthi style. In this sanctum sanctorum a 1.129 mtrs tall idol if lord Keshavraj is in standing position. The mandir is facing towards the east. There is a short connecting passage linking the inner and outer shrine. This Mandir has two entrances gates one is on east and other one is on north side. Towards the right of the temple few cloisters have been provided. It appears that it had a protective wall. Internal Sabhamandap of this mandir is very big around 65*60 ft approximately. There are some dilapidated remains scattered here and there.

  

 The idol of lord keshavraj was found in deep forest in 12th Century to some Shepherds and they established and worshipped the idol. The idol is different than rest of Keshavraj idols found in the country. This idol has all 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved on it. The idol also has carvings of Lakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu) on left bottom and Brihaspati (Teacher of all Gods) and Narada (a divine Sage). Even though exact timeframe of this idol is not known, historians say it is atleast 1000 years old.

         

         

Papvinashi Mandir

    Papnashi mandir situated at the northern part of the city. As indicated by an inscription found in the temple, This Mandir seems to have been built during the period of Someshwar III of the Chalukya dynasty. This inscription is dated in the saka year 1049 (1128 AD), which comes in the empire of Someshwar III. The inner shrine of the temple containing the Linga formation. Which is known as Bhuteshwar. The inner shrine is 10*10 with a 3 feet wide circumambulate passage. A 20*20 tin roofed sabhamandap hall has recently been added to it. It is very important temple in Latur. Tourists visiting this temple after siddheshwar temple.
     Papvinashi teerth is situated towards the north of this temple. It is also known as Pushkar Teerth. It is one of the most important teerth in Latur town. It has a great historical background. Teerth is surrounded by a beautiful sight.
   Once upon a time, a cow was accidentaly got killed by the Bhatadwaj rushi. so he wanted to be free from his sin. So, he asked his father that is there any way? to got free from his sin. His father told him that he should go to Siddhakhetra and get bath in Papvinashi Teertha. So, as per his fathers Suggestion  he went to Siddhakshetra and bathed in Papvinashi Teertha.  He was free from his sin. He himself got satisfaction. That is the resion why this Teeerth named as Papvinashi Teertha. People living here also believed that one who bathe here become free from all his sins.
     Towards the south of this Teertha there are the temples of Lord Bhuteshwara And Lord Hanuman. There is a Sati Samadhi found right behind the Bhuteshwar Mandir. It is believed that a women get Sati here.

Bhimashankar Mandir

  Shri Bhimashankar Mandir is located in Mali Galli, out of the town and surrounded by a green fields. It is said that This temple was built by only stones in hemadpanthi style. But old temple is not available here. Now some monuments are existing here. The masonry roof covering the gabhara might have been built before 200to250 years ago. There is a shivling shining like a granite. Its arc is about 1.5 feet. There is a samadhi of garibnath baba. Garibnath baba was always starving and keeping mum. He has been died in 1948 during the time of police action. Behind the shivpind there is a idol of Lord Vishnu. It is near about 3.5 feet high and having four arms. The arms hold various weapons like club, shell, chakra and lotus. Now a days new sabhamandap has been recently constructed in cement concrete. In front of this beautiful mandir there is a rectangular shaped small Teeth having some steeps. There are tow virgals having some idols on it. New statue of Nandiis established inside the sabhamandap.

Vaidyanath Mandir

Hanuman Mandir Hanuman Chowk

Central Hanuman Mandir

Gouri Shankar Mandir

                       Gouri shankar mandir is located in market yard latur latur. This mandir was built under the guidance of pre MLA shri Shivajirao Patil Kavekar. It is not a regular cement concret structure, it is built in sangamrawar tiles. There is a garden on the both sides of the temple. All the marchants in market yard have given good co-ordination to it. Its base is five to ten feet high from the floor. The sabhamandap is occupied the area of 20*30 feet. In the inner part of the gabhara, there is a shivling and to the back of it, there are the idol of Shankar, Parwati and Lord Ganesh, both the idols are carved in sangamravar stone. The atmosphere arround the temple is very natural. The Shikhar of this temple is in south indian type.

Ashtavinayak Mandir Latur Town

           Shri Ashtavinayak mandir is located in shivaji nagar latur. It is new and very famous mandir. This mandir has been erected in 1989. It has become due to his beauty. There is a garden on the both  sides of the temple. garden is kept fresh and clean every time. There are some artificial fountains in front of this temple. Facing towards the front there is a 8 to 9 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva. The statue is in standing position. Every one is feeling pleasant while entering this temple. While inside the main gabhara there are eight idols of Lord Ganesha usually known as Ashtavinayak setup inside the wall. The main Sabhamandap of this Mandir is in rectangle.In side the gabhara there is a idol of lord Ganesha which is about 4 fit high. The idol is carved in sangamravari stone. The shikhar of this mandir is in south indian style. Every thing in this temple is fresh and clean.

Virat Hanuman Mandir Latur Town

Shri virat hanuman mandir is located in parivar housing society near ausa road latur. The construction of this temple is quit diffrent from other temples. this temple is also sorrounded by beautiful garden. the base of this temple is near about 12 fir high. The bae is covered by sangamravari floors. Beautiful and coloured steps are arrenged to dimp on. on the first platform the second rectangular platform has been built and on this platform the idol of shree Hanuman is estblished. This idol is neary 25 fit high. It is very big in size and is coloured in scarlet (shenderi) colour. The idol is in standing position and looking very calm, The idol holds gadha in his one hand and another hand is on its loin. There are two big artificial lamps built in concret. The atmosphere arround this temple is very delightful.